About Linux and Open Source Software

There is no stopping the march of the Penguin!

The switch to Linux and Open Source Software (OSS) is well and truly on. Linux is Unix based (just as the MacOS is) and has its beginnings as a hobbyist operating system suitable only for true computer buffs. Its screen will strike fear in most of us. We know of a case recently when a computer trainer went to inspect a newly established training centre which some supplier had set up with Linux. She freaked out when she was greeted by black screens! Unfortunately, because of such occurrences, many still believe that Linux = black screens.

The move to bring Linux to the desktop began in the late nineties. As testament to the power of genuine collaborative effort and community spirit, the transformation of its desktop user-friendliness from black screen to the lovely and highly configurable screens we have today is truly astounding, and is still moving at full throttle. By comparison, Windows, though very user friendly, has changed little since Windows 98. Windows' emphasis has always been on ease of use while Linux's approach is from the viewpoint of security and stability. Both philosophies have great strengths but also have to make sacrifices – reduced security and stability in the former and some inconvenience in the latter.

We have no intention to be involved in any debate between Windows and Linux – either tool will get the job done. It is simply that there is now at last a true alternative to Windows. Our purpose here is to encourage you to at least have a look at what the world of free and open software has to offer.

We made our choice four years ago. Although the move was initially prompted by the plague of viruses, we realised huge benefits in Linux's incredible stability with cost savings in hardware thrown into the bargain as well – like putting our old 166MHz back to work. We are also running stripped-down old PC's as diskless workstations. Plus, of course, no more expenditure on software. Overall savings? BIG! But, most importantly, it gave us more than what we anticipated.

We were so happy with the move that we decided to get into the business of supplying and installing Linux systems and providing training.

Below is a sampling of what Linux screens look like these days. There are two main desktop environments to choose from – Gnome or KDE. The latter is more Windows-like while Gnome is more exciting, giving you the tools to practically redesign the desktop.

The efforts of thousands of programmers worldwide and the resources of companies like IBM, Hewlatt-Packard, Sun Microsystems and Universities are ensuring that more and better applications are rolled our daily. There is already a bewildering array of robust, professional programs covering almost every aspect under the sun free for you to download and use, share, modify, sell. This is true freedom.

In the business (and home) environment, you have real choices in word processors, spreadsheets, databases, email, web-browsers, contact management, project management, anti-virus, firewall, web design – just to mention a few.

Give it a try. You do not have to discard your Windows because Linux can co-exist in the same machine.